stars & scars. beats & bars.

Main menu

Tag Archives: argan oil

Featured

Most of us wish for the ultimate secret to beautiful hair? Besides the supplements, shampoos, conditioners and anything else you have tried, the best kept secret you may have never tried might very well be argan oil.

This beneficial oil comes from the seeds of the argan fruit which takes 15 years to mature so that it can be harvested and hand pressed and bottled.

This tree is found mostly in southwestern Morocco, and is thorny and weather resistant. In the area of the Arganian Forest, this tree is known to live 150 to 200 years. The women of Morocco long have used this oil, knowing full well its benefits for the hair, skin and nails. You only need a quarter-sized amount in your palm, or drops on your comb or brush for luxurious hair that is healthy and shiny as the oil absorbs readily as a dry oil.

Argan oil is high in vitamin E, Omega 3 and Omega 9, five different unsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants. All of which hydrate the hair while promoting elasticity by penetrating the hair shaft. As a bonus, it also promotes hair growth so don’t be surprised if your hair seems to grow faster. Store shelves now have more of this precious oil in their products, talking about it in their commercials, and you can get it in many places on the Internet.

In Marrakesh, local Berber women work in fair-trade cooperatives where they hand-crack the argan nuts in between two stones, a technique they’ve used for centuries. Instead of being put through a machine, the raw argan kernels are hand-extracted from the hard shell, hand-ground in a stone grinder, hand-kneaded for hours and first cold-pressed into the oil. It takes one woman three days to make just one liter of oil. This is why argan oil is so valuable.

In 1998, the Argan forest in Morocco was designated a UNESCO protected biosphere so argan oil is sustainable.

If you want to de-clutter your cabinet and simplify your beauty routine, argan oil can become your go-to beauty elixir from head-to-toe. It’s chockfull of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that promote your overall health by moisturizing, softening as well as protecting your face and hair from sun damage – without harmful toxins and Parabens.

Below are 10 ways to use organic argan oil in your daily life:

1. Face Moisturizer – After cleansing morning and/or night, massage a few drops of argan oil directly onto your face and neck. Since argan is considered a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and is not greasy. If you want to use it as a serum, apply your night cream after the oil absorbs into the skin.

2. Hydrating Toner – Add a few drops of argan oil to your favorite facial toner to hydrate and tone simultaneously. You can make your own toner by adding a few drops of argan oil to Rose or Orange Blossom water.

3. Rejuvenating & Brightening Face Mask – Add a few drops of argan oil to your store-bought mask. Alternatively, make your own mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of Greek-style yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 3 drops of argan oil in a bowl. Apply on a clean, dry face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

5. Face Glow – Add a drop or two of argan oil to your foundation, bronzer or tinted moisturizer for a dewy, luminous glow.

6. Leave-on Conditioner – After the shower, while your hair is still wet, add a few drops of argan oil to your hair, ends and scalp to hydrate and moisturize. It’s especially nourishing if your hair is dry from daily use of a blow dryer, straight-iron or curling iron.

7. Hair Styling Shine – When your hair is dry, use as a styling product by adding a few drops of argan oil to the palms of your hand. Rub your hands together and run your fingers through your hair to create shine and tame frizz. You only need a small amount. It lasts a long time.

8. Overnight Hair Treatment – Massage a generous amount of argan oil into your hair, ends and scalp. Wrap your hair and leave it on while you sleep. In the morning, wash your hair and you’ll have luminous, soft locks.

9. Cuticle and Heel Softener – Massage a few drops of argan oil into your cuticles to soften, moisturize and encourage nail growth. Use as an overnight treatment to nourish cracked heels by working a good amount into your feet and toes. Cover with socks and wake up to supple feet.

10. Body and Bath Oil – Add a few drops of argan oil directly onto your skin, into the bath or body lotion. It’s safe to use on a baby and to help minimize stretch marks on a pregnant belly too.